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Wind and sea surge warnings issued for coastal areas

December 14th, 2020 5:16 PM

By Jackie Keogh

Spring tide in Bantry at the weekend. (Photo: Denis Connolly).

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Bantry Business Association has advised its members to be vigilant following not one but two weather warnings for the days to come.

The association chairman, Diarmaid Murphy, said the Office of Public Works issued the first of the warnings for a period of very high astronomical Spring Tides in all coastal areas, from Tuesday, December 15th until Friday.

Of particular concern is the storm surge levels predicted for Cork Harbour and Bantry Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The second weather warning was issued by Met Éireann. It is a yellow wind warning for southerly winds, which are expected to reach speeds of 50 to 65 km/h with guests of up to 100 km/h, leading to increased fears of coastal flooding.

The timeframe for that warning is from 9pm on Tuesday to 9am on Wednesday morning. However, the high winds may lead to surge conditions so the people of Bantry will be closely monitoring sea level forecasts from Tuesday until Friday.

High Tide levels of 3.6m are expected in Bantry, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Storm surge levels are predicted to increase by 0.5m in Bantry from Tuesday afternoon, Tuesday 15th December and on Wednesday.

Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened on Monday afternoon in response to these circumstances.

While it is too soon to forecast surge conditions, Cork County Council has called upon coastal communities, particularly in Bantry but Dunmanway town too, to undertake appropriate measures to protect property.

Council staff are preparing for the adverse weather circumstances with sandbags and pumping arrangements.

Members of the public are advised to ‘stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes.’

Issues such as fallen trees and road damage can be reported to the local Council office during working hours (Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.00) or via the emergency number (021) 4800048 outside of these hours.

Cork County Council will continue to monitor this situation.  Further Notices will issue as more information comes to hand. Updates will be provided on Cork County Council’s website www.corkcoco.ie and across the Council’s social media channels @Corkcoco.

 

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